Method and apparatus for dispersing cremated remains

ABSTRACT

Both methods and various embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which address the dispersal of cremated remains. The methods involve steps which avoid any tendency to retain cremated remains within a container, steps which assure dispersal of cremated remains in only one desired direction, and steps which assure continuous and complete dispersal of all cremated remains. The invention also presents several embodiments including both a fabric bag and a mechanical apparatus for dispersing cremated remains. The disclosure addresses the utilization of existing air currents, the application of the invention to aerial dispersion, and designs which address simplicity of operation and manufacture. A fabric apparatus is disclosed which includes both an outer shell and an inner liner and a flap to seal the apparatus. The fabric apparatus presented may be rolled and transported by means of a handle. The mechanical apparatus presented discloses a sealed container having a hinged door which may be spring loaded and a trigger which may remotely activate the hinged door to release the container&#39;s contexts.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 098,500 filed Sept. 18, 1987,now U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,203.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods and embodiments of an apparatus todisperse cremated remains. The methods involve steps which assure areverent dispersal of the remains and are suitable for dispersal in avariety of situations ranging from cliffs or tall buildings to movingobjects or vehicles even including aircraft. The embodiments of theapparatus relate to a variety of devices to achieve these desired goalsand which also allow for simple transportation of the cremated remains.Specifically, both the methods and embodiments of the apparatuspresented address the peculiar difficulties inherent to dispersingcremated remains. These difficulties are a direct result ofconsideration of the emotional and psychological needs of both relativesof the deceased and the person accomplishing the dispersal. The presentinvention addresses the need of a ceremony which is sufficientlyreverent so that relatives of the deceased could be present if desired.Through proper dispersal it is believed that such relatives may be leftwith a pleasant and even enjoyable mental image as a final memory of aloved one.

The methods and embodiments of the apparatus presented provide fordispersal which is both continuous, complete, and in one desireddirection. Also presented are methods and devices which utilize existingair currents for dispersal. In one embodiment the remains are dispersedthrough utilization of a fabric bag which smoothly unrolls. In analternative embodiment, a rigid container is utilized. This rigidcontainer is opened to allow air currents to disperse the remains in areverent manner. Each of these devices are particularly suitable for usein one most difficult yet highly desirable application--namely dispersalfrom a rapidly moving aircraft.

Prior to the present invention, those individuals and families whodesired dispersal of the cremated remains of a loved one had littlechoice but to either having a funeral director or cremator do it on anad hoc basis, request that a friend attempt the dispersal, or toaccomplish such dispersal by themselves. Although such an event mightappear simple enough to accomplish, in actual practice the extremeemotional character of the event and the characteristics of the crematedremains themselves caused difficulties which tended to destroy theaesthetic and reverent characteristics necessary. Contributing to thereverence and aesthetic qualities of the event, the present inventionalso specifically allows for dispersal solely by existing air currents.The relatives or loved ones of the deceased are thus afforded thepleasant memory of dispersal by natural forces rather than automateddevices.

Interestingly, little effort has been directed at providing eithermethods or an apparatus for accomplishing such dispersal. Althoughdevices such as hand spreaders as are used for domestic grass seed orfertilizer application may have been employed, such devices, if used,would not provide the features of the present invention and would act todisperse the remains through mechanical dispersal rather than existingair currents. It is believed that this indicates the simple fact thatfuneral directors and cremators in general have failed to recognize theproblems encountered for reverent dispersal of cremated remains eventhough such needs have no doubt been long felt through perhaps centuriesof occurrences. The fact that those skilled in disposing of remains havefailed to recognize these problems seem highlighted by the fact that ithas been cited that cremation is utilized at rates as high as 90% inEngland and as high as 50% in the United States.

In many instances, it is often requested that the dispersal of crematedremains be accomplished over a large, remote or secluded area. This,naturally, lends itself to the utilization of an aircraft in thedispersal process. Unfortunately, because many aircraft move at highspeeds or are surrounded by turbulent airflow, the reverent release ofcremated remains from an aircraft is a difficult task. As in rapidlymoving automobiles, the vehicle itself causes turbulence in the airflowimmediately adjacent to its external surfaces. This turbulence usuallyinvolves back currents and other such airflows which may tend todisperse the remains in other than the desired direction. This isparticularly true in situations where the material to be dispersedincludes ashes or other such light particles as in the case of crematedremains. This difficulty is highlighted by the fact that even retiredGeneral Chuck Yeager and accomplished aviator Jacqueline Cochranencountered difficulties in attempting to scatter Floyd Cochran'sremains over a ranch. As Glennis Yeager related in the popular book"Yeager",

"Chuck and another friend took care of that, but some ashes were blownback inside the airplane. Chuck and I agreed that was the way to dothings when our time came--only be neater."

The fact that dispersal of cremated remains has heretofore beenfrequently accomplished on an ad hoc, unprofessional basis makes itunsurprising that little innovation has occurred to produce either amethod or an apparatus which can be repeatedly utilized with the desiredresults. Although United States patents exist for devices which are usedto cremate remains (U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,644), for devices whichpulverize cremated remains (U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,774), and for vaults orother devices for holding cremated remains (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,023,316 and4,669,236), none of these efforts have addressed the dispersal ofcremated remains. The only mention in these citations even remotelyaddressing the problems resolved by the present invention is in U.S.Pat. No. 4,603,644 to Brookes for an Incinerator and Cremator. In thatdisclosure, Brookes simply mentioned that the movement of ashes from onecrematorium to another is accomplished by raking the ash through a portthrough a sweeping motion. As Brookes recognized, in this fashion, "duereverence can be accorded" by avoiding the mixing of one person's asheswith another's. It is believed that these citations evidence notanticipation, but rather the fact that the problems addressed by thepresent invention have not been understood and the fact that littleinnovation has occurred in this area.

Generally, the goals of the present invention are to provide bothmethods and an apparatus which allow for reverent dispersal of crematedremains in a variety of situations. The present invention accomplishesthese goals through providing for the continuous and smooth dispersal ofcremated remains among other attributes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the dispersal of cremated remainsthrough both methods and embodiments of an apparatus. It is an object ofthe present invention to provide an apparatus which releases crematedremains in a continuous and complete fashion.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an apparatus which hasno tendency to retain any particles of the cremated remains.

It is also an object of the present invention to release and dispersethe cremated remains in a manner in which the remains are dispersed inonly one direction.

The present invention further has as an object to provide an apparatusfor dispersing cremated remains which may be activated from a locationseparate from the point at which the remains are released.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for aninexpensive device for the dispersal of cremated remains which can beeasily manufactured and which may be made of fabric.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide for a devicefor the dispersal of cremated remains which utilizes a rigid containersuitable for use in an aircraft.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which canbe placed and operated by one hand and may include a handle with anintegral trigger in the handle.

A fundamental object of the present invention is to provide a method andan apparatus for dispersing cremated remains by which such remains haveno tendency to flow backwards, or in other than the desired direction inturbulent air flow.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for aerial dispersion of cremated remains which allows forsuch dispersion in a reverent and dignified fashion.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide methodsand devices for the dispersion of cremated remains which utilizeexisting air currents for the dispersal process.

It is also an object of the present invention to disperse crematedremains in a fashion which can leave a pleasant, longlasting finalmemory to relatives and loved ones of the deceased. Naturally, manyother objects of the invention exist as are described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mechanical apparatus with the doorin the closed and locked position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fabric apparatus in the open andunrolled position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fabric apparatus in the rolledposition.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the fabric apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an expanded view of a portion of the fabric apparatus showingthe French seam construction.

FIG. 6 is a side view of utilization of the fabric apparatus from anaircraft.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the mechanical apparatus with the door in theclosed position.

FIG. 8 is the top view of the mechanical apparatus with the door in theclosed position.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the mechanical apparatus showing the pin tolock the door in place.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the mechanical apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mechanical apparatus with the doorin the open position.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the mechanical apparatus in operation from thesmall window of a low-wing aircraft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention are as follows:

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the fabric apparatus, thepresent invention in a general sense incorporates a sealable container,a means to open the container and a means to prevent retention of anycremated remains within the container. In this embodiment, the sealablecontainer is a fabric bag (1), the means to open the container includesa flap (2), and the means to prevent retention of any cremated remainsis the combination of a liner (3), a French seam (4), and a rounded endseam (13). The rounded end seam (13) may be externally created as shownin FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, this particular embodiment is designedfor relatively simple and inexpensive construction and use. As isespecially evident from FIG. 4, the exploded view of the fabricapparatus, the outer shell (5) is constructed through joining a firstsection (6) to a second section (7) along three sides. The fourth side(8) of the first section (6) is not joined to the second section (7) andthus forms the opening in the fabric bag (1). This opening is the areathrough which cremated remains are inserted and out of which crematedremains are dispersed. As can be seen, the second section (7) of theouter shell (5) is longer than the first section (6) of the outer shell(5). This extension forms a flap (2). The flap (2) facilitates theactual insertion of the cremated remains and is of sufficient dimensionsso as to be able to be folded over the first section (6) and thus serveto seal the fabric bag (1). This seal formed by the flap (2) is enhancedby the seams between the first section (6) and the second section (7) asis discussed in the context of the type of seam used. As can beunderstood, this seal is not a perfect seal but is merely enough toprevent any cremated remains from falling or being forced out of thefabric bag (1) at undesirable times. The outer shell (5) can befabricated from any material, however, due to the nature of thereverence required for dispersing cremated remains, it is suggested thatan appropriately formal material such as velvet or velvetine of a darkcolor be utilized. Such a material not only provides the structuralintegrity required but it also presents an aesthetic visual image bothwhen the fabric apparatus is open and when it is rolled up.

As mentioned earlier, one of the objects of the present invention is toavoid retention of any of the cremated remains within the containerafter dispersal. In order to achieve this, the fabric apparatus mayutilize a liner (3). Because the purpose of the liner (3) is to preventretention of any cremated remains, the liner (3) is preferablyfabricated from a nontextured material such as a plastic sheet. Althougha plastic bag could be utilized as well, it may be desirable tomanufacture the inner liner from two sections (9) and (10). These twosections will correspond to the first section (6) and the second section(7) of the outer shell (5) and would be sized accordingly. The liner (3)could then be joined to the outer shell (5) along the edge in which thefirst section (6) of the outer shell (5) is joined to the second section(7) of the outer shell (5). Naturally the liner (3) could be integral tothe inner surface of the outer shell (5), could be a coating on theinner surface of the material used for the outer shell (5), or couldeven be the outer shell (5) itself and still fall within the spirit ofthe present invention.

In connecting the first section (6) of the outer shell (5) to the secondsection (7) of the outer shell (5), a variety of techniques could beemployed. Since one goal is avoiding any retention of cremated remainswithin the container after dispersal, if a type of sewed seam is to beused, it must be chosen carefully. The present embodiment utilizes onetype of seam along the sides of the first section (6) and second section(7) and another type of seam along the internal end of the containerportion of the apparatus. Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-section view ofthe side seam, the inner liner (3) and the outer shell (5) can be joinedby utilizing the known seamstress technique known as the "French seam".This method involves first joining the inner surface of the firstsection (6) of the outer shell (5) with the inner surface of the secondsection (7) of the outer shell (5). In between these outer surfaces areplaced the two sections (9) and (10) of the inner liner (3) asappropriate. A first seam (11) is made after which the fabric is foldedover itself and a second seam (12) made over the top of the innersurface of the materials. This second seam (12) may be made outside theedges of both the outer shell material and the liner material forappearance as is shown in FIG. 5. In this fashion, a sewed seam iscreated which presents both an attractive external appearance and servesas a technique to avoid retention of any cremated remains within thefabric apparatus along its side seams.

As was mentioned earlier, the utilization of a french seam offers anunexpected advantage with respect to the seal created when the flap (2)is folded over the first section (6) of the outer shell (5). Because thefrench seam is an internal seam, the edges of the second section (7) ofthe outer shell (5) are folded over along a portion of the secondsection's length as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. If at the point at whichthe first section (6) terminates, all of the folded-over portion of thesecond section (7) is not terminated, when the flap (2) is folded overthe first section (6), the seal thus created is enhanced. This occurs bythe fact that any tendency of cremated remains to leak out of thecontainer is additionally resisted by the lip formed by the folded-overmaterial of the second section (7).

In order to avoid retention of any cremated remains along the inner edgeof the container, the container includes a rounded end seam (13) alongthe end of the container portion of the apparatus. This rounded end seam(13) serves to prevent cremated remains from lodging in sharp rightangle corners deep within the inner liner (3). For manufacturing ease,the rounded end seam (13) may be externally created by traditionalstitching through the outer shell (5) and the liner (3) as is shown inFIG. 2. Because of the emotional character of dispersing crematedremains, the rounded end seam (13) is important to avoid any concernover whether the dispersal was in fact complete. In manufacturing thefabric apparatus, the rounded end seam can take a variety of shapes, forinstance a semi-circular shape or an eliptical shape may be used. Inaddition, merely rounded corners could be provided for. Each of thesevarieties of shapes may be appropriate, the essence being avoiding sharpor right-angle corners in which cremated remains may have a tendency tolodge.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 it can be noticed that the rounded end seam(13) may terminate the container portion of the fabric bag (1) somedistance from the end of the material. A handle (14) is provided at theend of the material. Although not functionally necessary, the aspect ofterminating the container by a rounded end seam (13) before the end ofthe material facilitates ease of manufacture and allows for insertion ofa cap (15) over the end of the bag. This cap (15) may be served in placein conjunction with the creation of the rounded end seam (13). Referringto FIGS. 2 through 4, the cap (15) serves to reinforce the handle (14),the attachment points of straps (16), and a wrist loop (17). This isimportant because, again, the reverence afforded cremated remainsdictates that the apparatus not be dropped when full, not openedunintentionally, and certainly not be dropped during the dispersalprocess. The cap (15) may be fabricated of leather and thus provide thestructural integrity desired as well as an attractive, formalappearance.

In utilizing the fabric apparatus, it should be noted that the apparatusis sized so as to completely contain varying amounts of cremated remainsand so as to optimize its manufacture. It is believed that a width ofapproximately 10 inches and a length of the internal compartment ofapproximately 17 inches provides the appropriate volume. The cap (15)may be 3 1/2 inches long and the flap (2) 8 inches long. Naturally otherdimensions are possible as well.

From experience it has been discovered that cremated remains of adultsvary in amount with a maximum at approximately 300 cubic inches involume. Pets of course might be considerably less. To insert this amountinto the fabric container, the container is held and the remains arepoured into the container at its open end. During this process the flap(2) facilitates the filling of the fabric bag (1). The flap (2) is thenfolded over the first section (6) of the outer shell (5) to seal thecontainer. The remains are then manually spread evenly through thecontainer by pushing on the outer shell and the container is folded orrolled up from the flap end toward the handle (14). The straps (-6) arethen tied around the container to hold the container in the rolledposition as shown in FIG. 3, in much the same fashion as one would tie asleeping bag. The container is then carried by the handle (14) to theappropriate place for dispersal. Dispersal is accomplished by placingthe wrist loop (17) over one's wrist to avoid inadvertent release of theentire apparatus. At the same time, and perhaps even with the same hand,the container is held by the handle (14). With the other hand theoperator then unties the straps (16) to allow the container to unrollthrough the forces of gravity or existing air currents to release thecremated remains at a point distant from the handle (14).

As shown in FIG. 6, a view showing the utilization of the fabricapparatus from an aircraft, the apparatus is held through an open windowand the cremated remains are released from the bottom of the containerinto the air surrounding the aircraft. This technique affords a numberof advantages. First, it allows for the operation of opening thecontainer of the apparatus from a location which is not immediatelyadjacent to the opening through which the cremated remains disperse.Second, it allows for the release of cremated remains at a point distantfrom the operator. This is important because the inherent turbulencesand air flows in the vicinity of the window of an aircraft or othervehicle frequently involve back currents or other turbulences which maytend to direct cremated remains in a direction other than the onedesired. By releasing the cremated remains at the end of an elongatedapparatus, the direction of dispersal of the cremated remains iscontrolled and limited.

The described use of the fabric apparatus also addresses two aspectswhich are relevant to any dispersal of cremated remains: the use ofexisting air currents and release from a location distant from the pointof dispersal. The use of existing air currents is desirable so thatthose survivors and loved ones are afforded the desired mental image ofnatural dispersion. By "existing" air currents, it is meant that theapparatus not create any air currents or other dispersal means to createthe direction in which dispersal occurs. Although the propeller on anaircraft might create some air currents, the fact that such currents arenot created by the dispersal apparatus and that the vast majority of theair currents present are merely the natural result of moving through theair satisfies the need for dispersal by "existing" air currents. As torelease at a point distant from the point of dispersal it is desirablethat no possibility of the operator coming in contact with the crematedremains exist. Since the straps (16) are untied at the top of the fabricapparatus and since the dispersal occurs at a point near the bottom ofthe fabric apparatus (approximately 21 inches away) this criteria issatisfied. Naturally further distance is possible by many techniquesincluding utilizing some automated means, such as electronic, optical,or radio means to hold and release the apparatus from the rolledposition. Each of these could be activated both separately and alsoremotely from the fabric apparatus. A long connection such as a cablecould also be used, such being separate from but not remote with respectto the container. Naturally, such a separate or remote means could alsobe provided to close the opening of the container after dispersal.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the mechanical apparatus,this figure demonstrates an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As can be recognized and appreciated, the present inventionembodies a wide variety of alternatives in manufacture and use. In themechanical apparatus embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus ismanufactured of rigid materials rather than fabric materials. As shownin FIGS. 1 and 7 through 12, the mechanical apparatus defines a sealablecontainer (30) a means to open the container, in this case a door (31),and a means to prevent retention of any cremated remains within thecontainer. This preventing means is a combination of the designs of theinternal surface (32) (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) of the sealablecontainer (30), the air duct (33), the air baffle (34), and the shapeand material used to manufacture the sealable container (30) as will bedescribed later.

As is best shown in FIG. 10, the sealable container is manufactured bythe joining of a first side (35) to a second side (36) with an end plate(37) and a face plate (51). When assembled, these portions define avolume and join together in such a fashion that the volume is sealable.On the front of the sealable container (30) is the face plate (51) adoor (31). This door is attached to the face plate (51) through a hinge(38) such as a piano hinge which may include springs (39). These springs(39) serve to open the door upon release. In typical operation the door(31) is held shut by a latch composed of a cable (43) having a boltmechanism (44) at its end. This bolt mechanism (44) engages a hasp (45)attached to the bottom of one side. The bolt mechanism (44) may includea guide (55) through which a bolt (56) and a bolt spring (57) may slidefor engagement with the hasp (45) as is well known. The cable (43)passes back either inside or outside the sealable container (30). Ifpassing through the inside of the sealable container (30) as shown, thecable (43) passes through the face plate (51) and through the end plate(37). By allowing the housing (59) of the cable (43) to pass completelythrough the sealable container (30), the characteristics of thecontainer which allow it to be easily sealed are not impaired. Thehousing (59) of the cable (43) may be attached to the top of the firstside (35) or the second side (36) by means of a clamp (52). This clampmay also be attached through both the first side (35) and the secondside (36) at the joint between the two and thus serve to enhance theirconnection. To the end plate (37) is attached a handle (46). Included inthe handle is a separate trigger (47) to which is attached the cable(43). The trigger (47) allows displacement of the cable (43) resultingin opening of the door (31) through the action of the spring (39). Thetrigger mechanism can be simply manufactured by assembling the handle(46) from a central portion (53) and two outer portions (54). Thetrigger (47) can then slide in between the outer portions (54).

The door (31) can be locked shut by means of a pin (40). This pin slidesthrough apertures (41) attached to either side. The pin (40) may lock inplace by means of a catch (42) on the pin (40). The pin (40) serves tolock the door shut and avoid unintentional release of the crematedremains. If the pin (40) is inserted to lock the door (31) shut,accidental displacement of the trigger (47) will not open the door (31).When the door (31) is in the closed position, a seal (48) engages theedges of the sides (35) and (36) to effectively seal the sealablecontainer (30). As can be appreciated, this seal (48) need not haveextraordinary sealing capabilities, but rather it needs only to seal soas to prevent any unintentional release or leakage of cremated remainsfrom the sealed container. Assisting in sealing the container is aflexible cover (58) over the hinge (38). This cover (58) may be attachedto the door (31) and the face plate (51) by adhesive or other such meansand serves to seal the container in the vicinity of the hinge (38) aswell as serving to avoid retention of any of the cremated remains afterdispersal by the hinge (38). Also, the connections between allcomponents of the sealable container (30) may be sealed by means of acaulk, gasket, or other such sealing techniques. In this embodiment,sealing of the apparatus is important as pressure differentials mayexist between the area in the vicinity of the operator and the area atwhich the cremated remains are dispersed. Attached to the door (31) isan air duct (33) which serves to direct air into the sealable container(30) and may serve to hold the door in the open position. After beingdirected by the air duct (33), the air then encounters an air baffle(34) which is contained within the sealable container and may beattached to both the top and the bottom of a side. This air baffle (34)serves to further direct the air in one side of the container for thepurposes of ensuring complete evacuation and ensuring that there is noretention of cremated remains within the sealable container (30) afteruse. Naturally both the air duct (33) and the air baffle (34) can take avariety of shapes and positions, their essential functions being asmentioned. In addition to directing air for the purpose of evacuatingthe sealed container (30), the air duct (33) may also be designed so asto serve to assist in opening and holding the door (31) open. As can beappreciated it is also possible that initial opening of the door couldbe accomplished by means of an external air duct rather than the springs(39).

With reference to the application of the mechanical apparatus to use inaircraft, the apparatus may include a stop (49) at some point along theexternal surface of the sealable container (30). This stop (49) may alsoinclude an annular seal (50) which may be placed on the side of the stop(49) which is closest to the door (31). Referring now to FIG. 12, a viewof the mechanical apparatus utilized in conjunction with an aircraft,the mechanical apparatus may be utilized by placing the door end of thesealable container (30) through the small window common on the left sideof low-wing aircraft. This small window is usually a small hingedopening. Because this small window frequently has limited area and avariety of shapes, the cross-sectional area of the sealable container(30) may be sized and shaped in conformity with the small window. Inthis fashion, the door (31) of the sealable container (30) can be placedout the window without restriction. In considering the shape of thecross-sectional area of the mechanical apparatus, as can be appreciated,the shape of the stop may completely surround the circumference of thesealed container (30) and may be of sufficient width to allowutilization of one particular design in a variety of small window shapesin low wing aircraft. The stop (49) then encounters the window and formsa seal against the window by engaging the annular seal (50). Themechanical apparatus is then operated by activation of the trigger (47)which opens the door (31) and releases the cremated remains fordispersion.

In this utilization and in accordance with the objects of the presentinvention, the annular seal (50) serves to avoid any tendency of thecremated remains to release in other than the desired direction, the airduct (33) and the air baffle (34) serve to ensure complete andcontinuous evacuation of the container, and the trigger (47) and cable(43) serve to allow release of cremated remains at a point distant fromthe point of release. Each of these attributes is desirable as discussedin reference to the fabric apparatus.

As discussed earlier, important features of the invention are to avoidretention of any cremated remains and to provide complete and continuousevacuation of the container. By "continuous", it is meant that thecremated remains should all be released in one event. There should be nopulsing of the release as would occur if a container were shook duringthe dispersal step. By "complete" it is meant that no cremated remainsshould exist within the container after the one event of dispersal. Inaddition to those features and attributes mentioned earlier, the presentembodiment may include rounded corners and junctions. The assemblyutilizing a first side (35) and a second side (36) which join at a flatsurface rather than a corner assists this feature by allowing the simplemanufacture of rounded corners on each side. Such corners are simplebecause the sides are designed so as to be manufactured of material suchas aluminum which may be bent. The internal surface (32) of the sealablecontainer (30) could be designed in such a fashion and of such materialsas to avoid any tendency to retain any particles of the cremated remainsin other ways. Mere air flow could be relied upon or a smooth materialsuch as a stainless steel could be utilized and designed in such afashion that all corners are rounded and that no joints or otherjunctions present any crevices in which particles might lodge.Naturally, a liner could be included as shown in a prior embodiment. Inthe context of the mechanical apparatus, however, it is believed that aliner can be avoided through appropriate materials and design,particularly because the material chosen would not present a texture inwhich particles could lodge such as the inner surface of a velvet orother fabric material would. Of course, in the event a liner were chosento be included, it could be manufactured of one piece molded plasticwith a smooth inner surface or even of a material such as teflon whichtends to greatly reduce any tendency of fine particles to adhere to thesurface; it could also be disposable. Also it should be understood thatin the present embodiment the positioning of the hinge on the top of thedevice serves to cause the door to release upward and further enhancesthe character of the present embodiment to avoid any possibility ofretaining any of the particles of cremated remains. This is because theforces of gravity and the designs of both the air duct (33) and the airbaffle (34) will cause the particles to exit the container in thevicinity of the bottom of the sides (35) and (36).

As can be appreciated, the mechanical apparatus may have a variety ofshapes according to the application. Although the volume contained inthe sealed container (30) should contain the appropriate volume of up toapproximately 300 cubic inches, the cross-sectional shapes may varyaccording to the application. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10, itshould be noted that the handle (46) includes a trigger (47) locatedimmediate adjacent thereto. This location affords an added advantage inthat the unit may be operated by one hand. In this fashion, themechanical apparatus is first held by the handle (46) and positioned byone hand through the small window of a low wing aircraft. With the samehand a finger may activate the trigger (47) to release and disperse thecremated remains. In this fashion the other hand is available forcontrol of the aircraft. This allows one person to both fly the aircraftand disperse the cremated remains without compromise in efficiency orsafety.

In addition to the embodiment disclosed by the mechanical apparatusdiscussed previously, other devices fall within the spirit of thepresent invention. Such devices may be attached externally to anaircraft. In this instance a device similar to the mechanical apparatusin operation but perhaps shaped in a streamline fashion might beattached to the strut or other such external portion of an aircraft.This type of device might be operated through a longer cable or eventhrough some remotely controlled release technique. Also in keeping withthe spirit of the present invention, additional embodiments which aredesigned to fit within the external surface of the aircraft and whichrelease cremated remains outside the external surface of the aircraftare possible. For instance, a sealable container might be located in thefloor of an aircraft such that it might be filled from within theaircraft and then activated to release cremated remains through a dooror other opening in the belly of the aircraft. Additionally, such adesign might be located in the tail cone of an aircraft or perhapswithin a wingtip of an aircraft. In assessing the variety of locationsavailable, it is necessary to consider not only volumes within aparticular aircraft in which the appropriate container could be locatedbut also areas in which any regulatory concern over modification of anaircraft can be minimized. Certainly location of the container along thelateral axis of an aircraft within the vicinity of its center of gravitywould be desirable to avoid any impact on weight and balancerequirements of an aircraft. Alternatively, location of the containerwithin the tail cone of an aircraft may afford an aesthetic release ofthe cremated remains and would avoid any possibility of remainscontacting any portion of the aircraft. In accordance with the spirit ofthe present invention, any devices of these potential embodiments wouldrequire a means for ensuring complete and continuous evacuation of thecontainer, a means for filling the container, and a means for ensuringthat none of the cremated remains are retained by the container itself.

In understanding the degree to which complete and continuous evacuationof the container is provided for, it should be understood that in all ofthe embodiments discussed there is no need for shaking or other actionsto ensure complete evacuation. This is important because of thereverence necessary for the event and to avoid any unanticipated orundesirable difficulty in dispersing the cremated remains since such anevent may be done in front of relatives of the deceased. The mere use ofsome sort of bag or other device which does not include a means to avoidretention of remains as discussed in the prior embodiments is thusundesirable not only from the standpoint of the actual actions ofdispersal which would potentially include shaking or even turning thebag inside out but also from the standpoint of concerns of relatives ofthe deceased that no particles of the cremated remains be retained bythe container or bag and thus become intermingled with a subsequentdispersal or perhaps be irreverently disposed of.

In the context of the methods presented by the present invention, itshould be understood that no particular apparatus design is required.The methods presented by the present invention relate primarily to theimportant steps of directing the cremated remains in only one directionand also to steps which ensure continuous and complete evacuation of thecontainer. It should also be understood that these methods and theembodiments of the apparatus presented may be applied in a variety ofsituations. Although a substantial amount of discussion has beendirected to applying these methods in the context of dispersion from anaircraft, this focus is presented for two reasons--namely that aerialdispersion is a frequently desired technique and that dispersion from arapidly moving aircraft presents one of the more difficult dispersiontechniques. Such a focus is not meant to limit the application of boththe methods and apparatus presented by the present invention, it beingunderstood that any of the methods and indeed any of the embodiments ofthe apparatus presented could be applied in the context of dispersingcremated remains from an automobile, from other types of aircraft, froma horse or even from a cliff or tall building. Each of these dispersaltechniques would fall within the spirit of the present invention so longas the essential principals involved in the methods were followed or solong as any apparatus falling within the present invention wereutilized. Similarly the dispersal of the cremated remains of other thanhumans (such as dogs, cats, or other pets) is also within the spirit ofthe present invention.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for dispersing cremated remains comprising:a. asealable container, made of a fabric material, having a substantiallyconstant circumference therethrough and a sealable opening on only oneend; b. a means for opening said container at only one end, said meanscomprising a flap of fabric material extending beyond said opening; c. ameans for preventing retention of any cremated remains within saidcontainer, said means comprising: i. a permanent inner liner made ofnon-textured material; and ii. a rounded end seam; d. an affirmativemeans for continuous evacuating said container.
 2. A method of aeriallydispersing cremated remains comprising the steps of:a. placing thecremated remains in a sealable container having a constant circumferencetherethrough and an opening at only one end which is openable; and b.sealing said sealable container, wherein said container has a flap offabric material extending beyond said opening, said step of sealingcomprising the steps of:i. folding said flap over said opening; then ii.rolling said sealable container from said end of said opening into arolled position; and iii. retaining said sealable container in saidrolled position; then c. positioning said container above the ground;then d. continously releasing the cremated remains by unrolling and thenopening said container; while e. directing the cremated remains in onlyone desired direction; and f. dispersing the cremated remains throughthe utilization of existing air currents.
 3. A method of aeriallydispersing cremated remains as described in claim 2 wherein saidpositioning step is accomplished by utilization of an aircraft having anexternal surface and wherein said step of dispersing the crematedremains is accomplished only outside said external surfaces.
 4. A methodof aerially dispersing cremated remains as described in claim 3 whichfurther comprises the step of attaching the container to the aircraft.5. A method of aerially dispersing cremated remains as described inclaim 4 wherein said step of attaching the container to the aircraft istemporarily done in a manual fashion.
 6. A method of aerially dispersingcremated remains as described in claim 3 wherein said releasing step isaccomplished while placing the container out the window of the aircraft.7. A method of aerially dispersing cremated remains as described inclaim 6 wherein said steps of positioning and releasing can beaccomplished by one hand.